Kurenai Yuhi's matter didn't bother Uchiha Kuro at all.
While the Uchiha's "high-reward childbirth plan" attracted cheers from countless women, it was only natural that it also drew criticism.
Kurenai was talented, strong, and came from a wealthy background—of course she disliked such openly transactional arrangements.
Compared to her, though, some men were far more displeased with the Uchiha…
Kakashi and Might Guy's reactions?
Those were extremely mild.
After all, Uchiha Kuro frequently showed off his wealth and often strolled through Konoha with a group of beautiful women.
His wives and concubines might not all be stunning beyond compare, but every single one of them possessed both strength and beauty—top-tier female ninja in Konoha, each with countless admirers.
So the mentality of some male ninja…
Let's put it this way—
Uchiha Kuro felt that if he stood in the middle of Konoha and shouted:
"I'm Uchiha Kuro! If you're a brother, come and fight me!"
Then in an instant, he'd gain a whole army of "brothers from different parents."
…
But today was a little different.
"Sasuke hasn't come home yet…"
Uchiha Kuro narrowed his eyes.
Sasuke was still young, and technically under Uchiha Kuro's care.
Although he still lived in his own house, he usually came to Uchiha Kuro's place for meals.
Yet now, night was falling—and Sasuke still hadn't shown up.
"…Let's go find him."
Uchiha Kuro sighed softly.
After all, Itachi was still indirectly "working" for the Uchiha and was currently their only real pillar of support.
At the very least, appearances had to be maintained.
A harmonious "brotherly bond" needed to be preserved.
…
Konoha had several training grounds.
After searching for a while, Uchiha Kuro finally found that familiar small figure in a remote one—
pounding relentlessly against a wooden training post.
"Why aren't you home for dinner… hm?"
Uchiha Kuro's gaze lowered slightly.
Sasuke's face was bruised.
His clothes were torn in places.
There was even a clear footprint on his abdomen.
"…Did you win?" Uchiha Kuro asked calmly.
"I didn't lose…" Sasuke bit his lip. "But I didn't win either."
His eyes burned with unwillingness, his teeth clenched tightly.
He didn't try to lie.
He knew he couldn't fool a fellow Uchiha ninja.
"Looks like you took a bit of a loss."
Uchiha Kuro thought to himself.
"At Sasuke's level, no one his age could beat him… so it must've been upperclassmen."
At this point in time—before Naruto's "protagonist buffs" kicked in—Sasuke was unquestionably number one.
"Don't worry. Just beat them next time."
Uchiha Kuro's tone remained indifferent.
Question: What should you do if classmates bully you?
Answer: Beat them back.
Ninja were killers.
Even ninja academy students were future warriors.
Conflicts and fights were normal.
As long as no serious injuries occurred, no clan parent would go to the school complaining—only clueless civilians would do that.
Encouraging retaliation was the proper mindset of a ninja clan.
"…Yeah."
Sasuke clearly thought the same.
After a moment, he looked up.
"Uchiha Kuro… do you know someone named Neji Hyuga?"
"Neji? What about him?"
"When I was about to lose, he stepped in and drove those guys away… From what he said, it sounded like he knew you?"
Uchiha Kuro nodded casually.
"I know him a little. Not much."
In truth, Uchiha Kuro had interacted with many people before.
Back then, in his attempt to save the Uchiha, he had considered numerous strategies—
Even something as extreme as:
Uniting oppressed clans, overthrowing the Third Hokage, eliminating Root, staging a coup…
He had prepared for it.
For example:
Giving a few hints to Neji before Hiashi's brother diedTeaching a lesson to those bullying Hinata
All to build connections with the Hyuga clan.
But in the end…
The Uchiha had been beyond saving.
All his preparations were wasted.
…
Sasuke didn't return home with Uchiha Kuro.
He stayed behind to continue training—
determined to win next time.
Uchiha Kuro understood.
Other children, when beaten, could cry to parents, complain to teachers, show weakness, and receive comfort.
But Sasuke couldn't.
Because he represented the Uchiha.
He could only endure it, grit his teeth, and reclaim his pride as soon as possible.
Otherwise, rumors would spread:
"The Uchiha have truly fallen."
Compared to canon Sasuke—
his burden now was actually lighter.
At least…
He still had Uchiha Kuro.
…
"Responsibility is a terrible thing," Uchiha Kuro muttered.
"It can crush a person."
"But it's also a good thing."
"It shows whether someone has what it takes."
He shook his head.
Before leaving, he stuffed some money into Sasuke's hand—
so he could buy food after training.
To restore the Uchiha's prestige, Sasuke had to endure hardship, train relentlessly, and one day face life-and-death battles.
This was the price he had to pay—
to kill Itachi.
And Uchiha Kuro was no different.
For the revival of the Uchiha clan—
He was forced to endure a life of:
Listening to musicWatching performancesExpanding his harem
Forced to live in:
Endless affection with his wivesSweet, inseparable relationships
Forced to:
Be surrounded by beautiesFight tirelessly day and nightGrind forward with the determination of wearing down iron into a needle
Such suffering…
Only he could understand.
"…Sigh."
Uchiha Kuro shook his head, deeply moved by his own "sacrifice."
…
Just as he was walking and reflecting—
A soft, pale arm suddenly reached out from the side—
and pulled him in.
Uchiha Kuro froze.
A strong scent of alcohol hit him—
mixed with a faint, alluring fragrance.
A woman's scent.
"Come on, Uchiha Kuro… hic… drink with me!"
"…Kurenai?"